Why Ashtons - Tips on selling
The time you spend preparing your property for sale can be the difference between achieving an average price and a premium. To achieve the best, the more effort that is put in, the greater the reward.
This process, or indeed the art of presentation, is an important one to master. For most, the sale of a property comes around every 5-7 years. For others it has become a more regular event, where individuals and families choose to capitalise on the opportunity of upgrading, when circumstances allow. Whatever your motive for selling, the process can be either stress free or tense and disappointing. The good news is that you have the ability to choose.
Timing
Buyers for good quality property can be found twelve months of the year. The marketing process has become far more sophisticated than in times gone by and as a result, the issue of seasonal timing is less critical today than it was in the past. There are however, some important points you may wish to consider.
The time we take to find a buyer for a property, that is accurately priced, will typically vary between four and six weeks. Prior to marketing however, you would be wise to allow an additional two weeks to prepare both the property and the material we as agents, will need.
Presentation
Presentation is a critical factor in achieving the best results. The emotional appeal required to stir the spirit of the buyer is unlikely to be generated by something which is poorly presented. Average presentation will lead to an average price - elements of neglect tend to send out 'warning signals' to a prospective buyer. It is important therefore to do whatever you can to have the property looking its best, before we come to take our photographic images and during the viewing process itself.
Some obvious points to look out for include:
- Excessive furniture or personal belongings resulting in clutter.
- Scuffed or worn paintwork
- Pealed wall paper
- Stained or worn carpets
- Evidence of damp or moisture due to past leakage
- Cracked glass
- Unkept or unmown gardens
- The odour of cigarettes or tobacco
- The odour of pets
To improve presentation, we are only too pleased to help and guide you. Many of these problems can be addressed at little expense.
Sale Preparation Checklist
- Undertake whatever cosmetic improvements are deemed sensible
- Ensure that you have to hand, the requisite documentation from the local authority for improvements or additions. These tend to be planning consents and approvals under building regulations for such works as loft conversions, extensions or new conservatories. FENSA certificates are essential for new window installations
- Ensure that Gas Safety and or Electrical Certificates are to hand, particularly for new or recent installations. We are able to recommend suitable contractors for this purpose
- Have to hand, the years remaining on your lease, the annual maintenance charge and ground rent, should you be selling a flat or apartment
- Make a note, early on, of all the items you are likely to include in the sale after completion. Standard items include light fittings, floor coverings, curtains and blinds. Most importantly, list those items which will not be left at any price.
- Allow us to recommend a first class solicitor to act for you. There are so many average firms to choose from. We work with a small tight knit group of professionals who share our ethos and give absolutely first class service that both you and we can rely upon. The sooner a pack of draft papers is put together on a no sale - no fee basis, the smoother the transaction will flow.
